I received a call from a manager who asked if his guitarist could perform in our series. I’m afraid not, I replied. The upcoming series was already programmed, and I had never heard her play. I also explained that because she wasn’t (yet) well-known, she probably wouldn’t attract enough of an audience. A day later, the manager sent me an email stating that I indeed heard her play. The only reason I didn’t invited her, was because she was a much better guitarist than I was.
For 25 years, I have been the organizer of the international classical guitar series at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Throughout this time, I have often been surprised by the ways guitarists present themselves both to me and the audience. Intrigued about their choices I have transformed my experiences and reflections into a lecture.
The lecture covers a range of topics, including biographies, promotional photos, and effective collaboration with a manager. It delves into ways for capturing the attention of programmers and navigating the pitfalls and possibilities within the guitar festival circuit.
While I am confident that the lecture holds valuable insights for singers, other instrumentalists, and industry representatives, I have tailored its content with classical guitarists in mind. This lecture is particularly beneficial for those who aspire to establish or enhance their careers on the international concert stage.
